My house was built in 1973. It looks dated. Without doing anything structurally to the house itself, I would like to increase the curb appeal of my home. I've thought of widening my front stoop maybe with some decorative brick or flagstone. Perhaps lining my driveway with the same material. In addition I'd like to really spruce up the landscaping in front of my living room window etc. I am wondering who I can call that can design and meld all of this together for me - not just paver people or your average landscaper either. In essence I want to "redesign" the exterior of the house. Is there one person to do it all? Thank you so much!

OK, I am beginning on planning my deck and will be removing the old crappy 8x10' beast that is there. I plan to build it myself and would like to really beef up my knowledge on the build. My neighbor knows the codes and should be able to help in that respect. My questions are: 1) If going 18 feet from the house, what do I need to do for footings? I was going to do footings at 8ft and 16ft with a 2 foot overhang. All 6x6 posts with 4ft deep poured sonotube. 2) Any good plans for a basically 1 level deck of that approximate dimension? 19' along the house and 18' out? I will do a 45degree set of steps at one corner away from the house (wide like 5 ft) 3) What to put under the deck to avoid water runoff (under) to move the dirt etc? I may also pour cement later on and make a small low level shed underneath. 4) Any other advice? Cost for basic materials (ballpark) for the 18' x 19' deck?? Thanks all. e3 By the way, I was going to do my own siding and you all helped me a ton to learn however, my wife's old high school friend reps for a guy and he is doing the siding for over $4Grand less than every other quote. His workmanship is beautiful. If in MA and want vinyl siding let me know. I am very impressed with his work and he came all weekend to keep the progress going.